Workroom to open for students

A new student organization workroom will soon be ready for use in the Muenster University Center.

Donating $20,000 to the new workroom, the University of South Dakota Student Government Association is in the process of determining the best way to allocate the usage of the space to student organizations. The university has matched SGA’s donation of $20,000.

“(It’s) probably one of the best investments of SGA general funds that we’ve done, SGA President Erik Muckey said. “It’s a really big step for us.”

The money came out of the $77,173.17 reserve fund, which is money that does not get used from student organizations’ allotted amount and is not approved for a rollover into the next year.

Jeff Baylor, vice president of student enrollment, encouraged SGA to make the donation by explaining the many improvements and accessibility.

Muckey said the new space — located on the first floor of the MUC — is a definite change from the old, much smaller room located on the second floor of the MUC.

“It’s a huge upgrade,” Muckey said. “The amenities in terms of size and storage space and meeting room capabilities; it’s wonderful.”

SGA vice president Clay Hoffman said there would still be opportunity for organizations to meet in the MUC boardroom as before, but the room is equipped with seating and a computer monitor especially for those meetings.

Hoffman also said the chairs are durable and the floor is water resistant, so there would be easy cleanup if something happened to spill.

At various SGA meetings this spring, there was talk of having a laminator, die-cut machine and rolls of paper as supplies for any poster-making organizations may need to do.

The workroom also has a sink, storage cabinets and a variety of new materials provided by Student Services.

While freshman Rebecca Smith attends Student Theatre Cooperative meetings in the Fine Arts Center, she said she can see how the new facility would give student organizations more opportunities.

“It’s good for the organizations who don’t have spots planned out (for meetings) already and have their funding,” Smith said.

A work group was created to discuss and decide on some major decisions of the room, such as what the sole purpose of the room is, how it would be managed, supplies needed, and the transition from the old room to the new.

The workgroup is considering key card access to monitor the workroom’s usage. There has been discussion of who — whether it be the president or other officer within each student organization — be given a key card in order to gain entry.

The overall consensus thus far is only funding-eligible organizations on campus would be allowed to utilize the space.

Hoffman said since SGA gave such a large amount of money, it is basically their show to run and get the center going.

“We’re really excited about this new room,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman said he is hopeful the students are excited, as they are the ones who helped pay for it.

“I hope a lot of student organizations will utilize it, and I think they will,” Hoffman said.